Maldives President Muizzu undertakes first official visit to Malaysia
PUTRAJAYA: The President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, will undertake his first official visit to Malaysia from April 27 to 30, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
This marks Muizzu's first visit since assuming office on Nov 17, 2023.
In a statement on Sunday, Wisma Putra said that Muizzu will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex on April 28, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The two leaders are expected to review Malaysia–Maldives bilateral ties and explore further collaboration, particularly in trade and investment, the halal industry, education, tourism, and youth and sports. They will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the visit, three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged — covering cooperation in tourism, sports, and health — alongside two Exchange of Notes (EoNs) on diplomatic training and the establishment of Bilateral Consultations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Anwar will host an official luncheon for President Muizzu at the Seri Perdana Complex.
On Tuesday, Muizzu will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
The honorary degree will be conferred by Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the Constitutional Head of IIUM. During the ceremony, Muizzu will deliver a public lecture entitled The Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Developments of Islamic Civilisation.
Muizzu will be accompanied by Maldivian cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and senior government officials.
In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with the Maldives increased by 4.3% to RM862.7 million (US$189 million), up from RM827.3 million (US$180.9 million) in 2023. The Maldives remains Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner among South Asian countries.– BERNAMA
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